The Cremation

Back in the early 90’s I think it was, one of our regular clan, and one of the hosts of our semi-regular poker games, Ivan Patey, went away to the mainland for work. He’d been gone a while, and none of us (the gang of people, I can’t speak for his family) had heard from him in quite some time.

Anyway, we had no clue how he was doing, or where he was, and yes we kinda missed and worried about him. But of course we can’t show that!

We also have our streaks of dark humour, morbid if you will, and I’m sure most do, and while we were pretty sure he was ok (and he was) we also joked around that he had died. Yeah it may not be funny to you, and sorry if not, but at the time, in the moment, we did, and I think he would see the humour in it too.

Around the same time, someone, Don Hart or Gary Cooper had the old club open again for a spell. Never a very “going concern” business I don’t think, but was convenient for us. In the closet there was an old jean jacket vest over a hoodie (memory fades, not exactly sure the look now) and no one ever claimed it. I think it may have been there since before the club re-opened, but no idea. It did however look exactly (to a few of us anyway) like one Ivan used to wear, so we claimed it as his.

One night, feeling especially mournful, a couple of us, who I’ll leave nameless, felt it was time to pay our respects. So we took the jacket to the beach and set it afire and said a few words for our departed friend (departed for Toronto that was).

Missed ya then, and miss ya now buddy. Sometimes I wish things could be as they were.

Raised in outport Newfoundland in a town of 65 people, I pursued a post secondary diploma in Information Technology right out of High School.

I’ve always been a geek at heart, but yet I love the rural life I grew up with. Fishing, hunting, camping and the great outdoors are still loves of mine, even if I don’t pursue them as often as I once did. Sports were always a big part of our lives, and I played many (badly) and loved them all.

Enjoying writing this thing, and I see a few at least enjoy reading it. Now I’m asking if you can help me with any pictures you may have? I’m not looking for fancy stuff, just mundane every day pictures from back home, old churches, schools, inside and out. Old tools, …

Just wanted to send a quick thank you to Caroline Latham for the beautiful header. She does beautiful photos at Eagle Photo. Thanks soooo much! Peter SmithRaised in outport Newfoundland in a town of 65 people, I pursued a post secondary diploma in Information Technology right out of High School. …

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